The Tennessee Titans were the only team in the NFL that called Drew Bennett after the 2001 draft and he'll always appreciate the opportunity they gave him to grow into a quality NFL receiver.

In Tennessee, Bennett was an immensely popular underdog who graduated from undrafted rookie to capable NFL starter.

But as he hit free agency on Friday he had a sense of how his original team valued him. And during a visit to St. Louis he quickly learned the Rams had a vastly different view than the Titans.

So while he said he's sad to leave Nashville, it was not hard for him to accept the deal his agent, Gary Uberstine, negotiated for him: Six years for $30 million with $10 million guaranteed, including a $7.5 million signing bonus.

Indications were the offer the Titans made before Bennett hit the market was for an average of $3 million a year over four years.

"They just didn't think too highly of me, I guess," Bennett said of the Titans, while emphasizing he was not upset about the way things panned out.

"They never put an offer that was anywhere close to what the Rams were offering."

"If they don't think I am worth a certain amount, then that's their prerogative. I can be successful somewhere else. They made it very clear that I had a different opinion of myself of what quality of receiver I was and I'm OK with that. I'm excited about where I am heading, it's been a fun day."

Different surroundings

The dramatically different deals and the chance to learn from two Pro Bowl receivers in Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce made St. Louis impossible to pass up, even with apparent interest from Miami, New England and Minnesota, he said.

Bennett, 28, wound up at the front of the line for the Titans, but his worthiness of the No. 1 slot was a subject of debate after the Titans cut Derrick Mason after the 2004 season.

After six seasons, Bennett is eighth on the Titans' franchise career list in yardage (4,033) and ninth in receptions (273).

He'll start his career with the Rams as the third receiver, but the plan is for him to eventually take over for Bruce, who's 34.

No matter where the Titans slotted him, Bennett's departure leaves the team thin at wide receiver. Last year's free agent prize, David Givens, is unlikely to be ready for the start of the 2007 season because of a knee injury.

The team's four other receivers under contract have combined for 102 catches, 1,420 yards and nine touchdowns in seven combined seasons.

The rest of the free agent crop isn't especially good and while the draft is strong at the position, many high picks in recent years have needed substantial time to make an impact while others busted.

"It's going to be interesting to see where they go from here," said Bennett, who was already back in Nashville Saturday night and said he expects to relocate within two weeks.

"I do have some good friends on the team so I wish them luck and I think Vince (Young) is a great player and I hope he continues to improve."

Fan of Bulger

In St. Louis, he hopes to learn from Bruce and Holt, who have a combined 10 Pro Bowls.

Bennett said he is also looking forward to catching passes from Rams quarterback Marc Bulger, who's been elected to two Pro Bowls and has thrown 95 TD passes in five seasons.

"They've been a successful offense and I think they're on the way up, and that's not to take anything away from the Titans, I think they are on the way up too," Bennett said. "But I think this is a good fit for me."

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Drew Bennett is leaving Tennessee after signing a six-year, $30 million contract with the Rams.

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